In the jewelry of Tibetan peoples, turquoise (Nepalese: tuto; Tibetan: yu) is visually the most outstanding
material and distinguishes Tibetans readily from their neighbors who use turquoise only sparingly or not at
all. The main source of this stone has been the Tibetan plateau.
In Tibet, turquoise has been in use since ancient times: in the regalia of the first Tibetan kings; as
propitiatory offerings to gods and demons; and as a tribute to other nations. Never having lost its prominent
place in precious jewelry, it is still worn by the Lhasa nobility. For the Tibeto-Nepalese, who have imported
most of their jewelry from Tibet, turquoise occupies a similarly important place.

Various beliefs about turquoise are shared by Tibetans and Tibeto-Nepalese. In many Asian societies the color
blue is considered auspicious and protective; blue turquoise, therefore, possesses these qualities. Worn in a
ring, it assures a safe journey; worn in the ear it prevents reincarnation as a donkey; appearing in a dream,
it is auspicious; when found, it brings the best of luck and gives new life (in contrast, it is not considered
lucky to find gold or coral); when changing its color to green, it indicates hepatitis, yet at the same time it
draws out jaundice. Most importantly it can absorb sin. Strings of prayer beads should include turquoise. In
fact, when worshipping the popular goddess Tara in her green form, because of the color association, it is
desirable to do so with a rosary entirely composed of turquoise beads.

There exists as well the concept of living and dead turquoise. Living turquoise has a healthy blue color,
whereas dead turquoise has turned either white or black. In the natural aging process of turquoise, exposure to
light and body oils darkens the color, eventually turning it black. Tibetans compare this to human aging and
death. Wearing "living" turquoise is therefore very desirable, as it will give long life to the wearer.

In general terms turquoise is a symbol of the blue of the sea and the sky. Infinity in the sky speaks of the
limitless heights of ascension. The stone is opaque as the earth, yet it lifts the spirit high, laying bare to
us the wisdom of both the earth and the sky. It is old, yet young.

Turquoise has also been held as a sacred stone by ancient cultures other than the Tibetan. It was sacred in
Egypt along with malachite and lapis lazuli. It was sacred to the Persian culture, where it symbolized purity.
American Indians believe it to be a protector and guardian of the body and soul. Gypsies wear this stone in
their navels, believing it to be good for everything.

Delivered by to all international destinations within 3 to 5 days, fully insured.

Testimonials

Just wanted to say thanks for everything. I am really impressed with the statue, the packaging and the service. It's absolutely beautiful!

Anir, UK

Thank you for allowing me to shop in India from my desk in the United States!! I love your website!
Om Shanthi

Florence Ambika, USA

I finally got my nearly $300 Meenakari earrings today. They were promised in 4-6 days but it took a week for them to be shipped. Then it was 4-6 days. When I saw them I had mixed feelings. They are cute but it took me a half hour to get them in my ears as the posts are really large in diameter. I had to use vaseline and force them through and then the screw on backs (a good thing) wouldn't line up. There seems to be something inside the screw on locks that act as a securing agent. Any way most of the things I've got from ExoticIndia were gifts and acceptable.